ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Prime Minister's Office
PM addresses the last sitting of 16th Lok Sabha
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the last sitting of 16th Lok Sabha today.
He appreciated the role of Speaker Smt. Sumitra Mahajan in conducting the proceedings of the House. PM also complimented the role of the Parliamentary Affairs Ministers during the tenure of 16th Lok Sabha. He recalled the services of former Parliamentary Affairs Minister, late Ananth Kumar for his contribution to the Lok Sabha.
Addressing the House, PM said it is almost after three decades the country saw a full majority government. Speaking about the productivity of Lok Sabha, PM stated that total 8 out of 17 sessions saw a 100 percent performance while the overall productivity has been 85%.
Complimenting the members, PM said every member from the ruling party as well as the opposition has contributed significantly for the cause of people during this tenure of this Lok Sabha.
PM said this Lok Sabha would be remembered, for the highest number of Women MPs, out of which 44 are first-time MPs. Acknowledging the participation of Women MPs, PM said, for the first time maximum number of women Ministers are in the Cabinet and we have two women ministers in the Cabinet Committee on Security.
PM said, “India's self-confidence is at an all-time high. I consider this to be a very positive sign because such confidence gives an impetus to development”.
He added that India is now the 6th largest economy and close to becoming $5 trillion economy.
Mentioning India’s achievements in various sectors of Energy, Digital Technology, Space, Manufacturing, PM said, “The world is discussing global warming and India made an effort in the form of the International Solar Alliance to mitigate this menace”.
PM said, today world takes us seriously because it recognizes full Majority Government. And the credit goes to the mandate given by the citizens in 2014.
Speaking on India’s Foreign Policy, PM said, in last 5 years, India has played a great role in humanitarian works be it relief activities during earthquake in Nepal, Water crisis in Maldives or rescuing citizens in Yemen. Highlighting India’s Soft Power PM said, Yoga is recognized globally today. Many countries are now celebrating Baba Ambedkar Jayanti, Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti.
Giving an account of the work done, PM stated that about 219 bills were introduced, while 203 bills were passed.
Reiterating his Government’s stand against Black Money and Corruption, PM said this Lok Sabha has passed stringent laws like Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, Fugitive Economic Offenders Act.
PM said, “It is this Lok Sabha that passed the GST. The GST process revealed the spirit of cooperation and bipartisanship”.
Prime Minister Modi also spoke about other initiatives of the government including Aadhar, 10% Reservation for EWS, Maternity Benefit. PM said, in a major initiative, over 1400 redundant laws were scrapped during this 16th Lok Sabha.
He concluded his address by extending thanks to every Member of the House for the support, contribution and smooth conduct of the house during 16th Lok Sabha.
Vice President's Secretariat
Centre and States should concentrate on providing quality public health facilities: Vice President
Medical institutes must visit nearby colleges and create awareness on disease prevention and adopting healthy lifestyles.
Inaugurates Free Health Camp organized KIMS Hospitals
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that the Centre and States should concentrate on providing quality public health facilities.
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating a Free Medical Camp organized by the KIMS Hospitals at the Swarna Bharat Trust, in Hyderabad today, he said that medical colleges and medical institutions should organize visits by medical professionals to nearby colleges and conduct awareness campaigns on disease prevention and adopting lifestyles.
Observing that people tend to neglect their health and take basic precautions, he said that many a time they incur huge healthcare costs for treatment of ailments. Hence awareness on disease prevention was extremely important as prevention is better than cure, he added.
Pointing out that sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy dietary habits were leading to increase in non-communicable diseases, he said that regular physical activity should become part of daily routine for everybody, irrespective of age.
The Governor of Telangana, Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, the former Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Kamineni Sreenivas and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Shri Bhupender Yadav launches ‘Wetlands of India’ Portal, a single point access to all information relating to wetlands
On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and heralding the Iconic Week of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav of MoEFCC , a web portal – ‘Wetlands of India Portal’ , giving details on wetlands of the country, was launched by the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav.The portal is a single point access to all information relating to wetlands.
The portal is a dynamic system for processing information and making it available to the stakeholders in an efficient and accessible manner. The portal also hosts capacity building material, data repository, videos and and information for students. Importantly, a dashboard for each State and UT has been developed to access the portal and populate it with information of wetlands in their administration. The portal would be populated by the different States and UTs and additional features may be added in the coming months.
Login credentials have also been provided for Knowledge Partners. The portal also enables citizen engagement. Currently citizens can register themselves and upload wetland related pictures across different themes. Importantly, registered citizens can opt to take the pledge to become wetland mitraand indicate their State/UT and areas of interest. This information would allow States and UTs to contact interested persons for various programs and initiatives.
The portal has been developed under a Technical Cooperation project “Wetlands Management for Biodiversity and Climate Protection”  of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change  in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit  GmbH. The project is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety  under the International Climate Initiative .
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
MNRE issues advisory against fraudulent websites for registration under PM-KUSUM Scheme
Ministry of New &Renewable Energy  has recently noticed thatfew new websites have cropped up as registration portal for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan  Scheme. Such websites are potentially duping general public and misusing data captured through fake registration portal.To avoid any loss to the general public, MNRE had issued an advisory on 18.03.2019, advising beneficiaries and general public to refrain from depositing any registration fee and sharing their data on such websites. Despite this new cases of fraudulent websites have been noticed again.
Hence it has been again advised by MNREto all potential beneficiaries and general public to be informed and avoid depositing money or data on these websites. Ministry has said that any suspected fraudulent website, if noticed byanyone, may be reported to it.
Administrative approval for PM-KUSUMScheme was issued by Ministry of New & Renewable Energy  on 08.03.2019. Guidelines for implementation of Scheme were issued on 22.07.2019. The Scheme provides for installation of solar pumps, solarization of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps and installation of grid connected renewable power plants.The Scheme is being implemented through State Government Agencies. List of these Agencies, implementation Guidelines and other details about the Scheme are available on official portal ofthe Ministry: www.mnre.gov.in. Interested people among the general public may visit MNRE website or call on help line number 1800-180-3333.
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Ministry of Finance
A record one Lakh Crore Rupees expected to be generated through disinvestment during the period 2017-18
Bank Recapitalization program will enable public sector banks to lend additional rupees 5 Lakh Crore
The Government has initiated efforts to generate funds as well as undertake banking sector reforms. The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitely, while presenting the General Budget 2018-19 in Parliament here today said that the Government has initiated the process of strategic disinvestment in 24 CPSEs including strategic privatization of Air India.
Highlighting the Government’s effort to generate funds, the Finance Minister said that the Exchange Traded Fund Bharat-22 which was introduced to raise Rs. 14,500 Crore, was over-subscribed in all segments. Similarly, the 2017-18 Budget Estimates for disinvestment were pegged at the highest ever level of Rs.72,500 Crore and the estimated receipts from the same are expected to the tune of Rs.1,00,000 crore in 2017-18, far exceeding the target. The Finance Minister has also set the disinvestment target of Rs.80,000 crore for 2018-19.
Making his Budget Speech, the Finance Minister said that bank recapitalization program has been launched with bonds of Rs.80,000 crore being issued this year. This recapitalization will pave the way for the Public Sector Banks to lend additional credit of Rs.5 lakh crore. It is proposed to allow strong Regional Rural Banks to raise capital from the market to enable them to increase their credit to rural economy.
National Housing Bank Act is being amended to transfer its equity from the Reserve Bank of India  to the Government. Indian Post Offices Act, Provident Fund Act and National Saving Certificate Act are being amalgamated and certain additional people friendly measures are being introduced. To provide the Reserve Bank of India an instrument to manage excess liquidity, Reserve Bank of India Act is being amended to institutionalize an Uncollateralized Deposit Facility. Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, Securities Contracts  Act 1956, and Depositories Act 1996, are being amended to streamline adjudication procedures and to provide for penalties for certain infractions.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
The First meeting of Committee on Farm Laws appointed by Supreme Court held in New Delhi
The first meeting of the Committee appointed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court vide Order dated 12.01.2021 to deliberate with concerned stakeholders on recently notified three Farm Laws, was held on 19.01.2021. Dr. Ashok Gulati, Former Chairman of the Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices, Shri Anil Ghanwat, President, Shetkari Sanghatana and Dr. Pramod Joshi, Former Director for South Asia, International Food Policy Research Institute participated in the meeting and discussed the roadmap of activities for the Committee for two months to prepare their recommendations after discussion with farmers, farmers’ bodies, farmers’ unions and other stakeholders.
Addressing the Media, Mr. Anil Ghanwat said as per the direction of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the Committee will hold discussion with farmers and farmers’ bodies in the country who are both pro and against the Farm Laws. The Committee will also hold discussions with State Governments, State Marketing Boards and other stakeholders such as Farmer Producer Organizations, and Cooperatives, etc. The Committee will soon send invitations to the farmers unions and associations to discuss their views on Farm Laws. Even individual farmer can submit his/her views on the portal to be notified soon.
The Committee is keen to understand the opinion on the subject of all concerned so that it can give suggestions which will definitely be in the interests of the farmers of India.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Export Turnover
India’s merchandise export during last three years and current year are as follows:
|
|
Years
|
|
Value of Merchandise export

|
|
2018-19
|
|
330.08
|
|
2019-20
|
|
313.36
|
|
2020-21
|
|
291.81
|
|
2020-21 
|
|
174.46
|
|
2021-22|
|
263.42
Sourc: DGCI&S.Provisional
The accumulated amount of payments on export of goods and services outstanding with the various financial institutions as on 2nd December 2021 as provided by Reserve Bank of India  is as follows:
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|

|
|
Outstanding export invoice amount for less than 9 months
|
|
Outstanding export invoice amount for more than 9 months
|
|
Outstanding export invoice amount for more than 15 months
|
|
14,91,747
|
|
13,54,134
|
|
9,90,342
Source: RBI
The total amount settled by Export Credit Guarantee Corporation  on various default payments to banks under Export Credit Insurance Cover for Banks  from 2016-17 to 2020-21 and April-September 2021-22 are as follows:
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Years
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Claim settled

|
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2016-17
|
|
655.50
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|
2017-18
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|
1131.47
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2018-19
|
|
813.39
|
|
2019-20
|
|
261.64
|
|
2020-21
|
|
761.87
|
|
2021-22 
|
|
79.52
Government has approved proposal for capital infusion of Rs. 4,400 crore to ECGC Ltd. for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26 to support additional exports of Rs. 5.28 lakh crore over a five year period.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Smt. Anupriya Patel, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
President's Secretariat
Civic Reception Hosted in Honour of the President in Shimla
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, addressed a civic reception hosted for him by the Government of Himachal Pradesh in Shimla today .
Speaking on the occasion, the President praised Himachal Pradesh as an important centre for culture, tourism and the spiritual tradition in our country. He was happy to note that the state government has inaugurated the ‘Nai Rahen, Nai Manzilen’ scheme to expand the opportunities for tourism in the state. He also noted that several other steps were being taken to promote tourism, including through the ‘Swadesh Darshan Programme’.
Praising Himachal Pradesh as the land of brave war heroes such as Major Somnath Sharma and Captain Vikram Batra, both of whom were awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously, the President said perhaps every village in the state contributes to the armed forces. He said that the number of former servicemen in the state was estimated at over 110,000.
The President appreciated Himachal Pradesh’s success in literacy and education, women's empowerment, sanitation, rural infrastructure, social indices, horticulture, hydroelectricity and other areas. He said the state offered a developmental model for other states in the Himalayan region.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Mango export promotion programme organized for the varieties from northern India in Dubai
India has been able to boost mango exports this season,especially from the non-traditional northern and eastern regions of the country, notwithstanding logistical challenges posed by COVID19 pandemic.
As part of this initiative, APEDA in collaboration with India embassy and the importer LuLu group, today organised a mango promotion programme in Dubai for varieties from northern India. Juicy varieties including Chausa&Langra, sourced in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh mandi board, is being displayed in United Arab Emirates.
Recently, for boosting mango export potential from the eastern region especially to middle east countries, a consignment of Geographical Identification  certified Fazil mango variety from Malda district of West Bengal was exported to Bahrain.The consignment of Fazil mango was exported by APEDA registered DM enterprises, Kolkata and imported by Al Jazira group, Bahrain.
APEDA has been initiating measures to boost mango exports from the non-traditional regions and states. APEDA has been conducting virtual buyer-seller meets and festivals to promote mango exports.
APEDA recently organized a mango promotion programme at Doha, Qatar where nine varieties of mangoes including GI certified from West Bengal & Uttar Pradesh were displayed at the stores of importer Family Food Centre.
The nine varieties which were exported includes GI certified Khirsapati , Lakkhanbhog , Fazli , Dusshheri  and Amrapali and Chausa  and Langda .
In June, 2021, a week-long Indian mango promotion programme was organised in Bahrain where 16 varieties of the fruit including three GI certified Khirsapati&Lakshmanbhog , Zardalu  were displayed. The varieties of mangoes were sold through 13 stores of the group in Bahrain. The mangoes were sourced from farmers in Bengal and Bihar by APEDA registered exporter.
APEDA organised mango festival in Berlin, Germany
In a bid to increase mangoes exports to South Korea, APEDA in collaboration with Indian embassy, Seoul and Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea, had earlier organised a Virtual Buyer Seller Meet.
For the first time in this season, India has shipped a consignment of 2.5 Metric Tonne  of GI certified Banganapalli& other variety Survarnarekha mangoes sourced from farmers in Krishna &Chittor districts of Andhra Pradesh to South Korea.
Mango in India is also referred to as ‘king of fruits’ and referred to as Kalpavriksha  in ancient scriptures. While most of the states in India have mango plantations, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka have a major share in total production of the fruit.
Alphonso, Kesar, Totapuri and Banganpalli are leading export varieties from India. Mango exports primarily take place in three forms: fresh mango, mango pulp, and mango slice.
YB
Ministry of Finance
Mumbai Customs seizes smuggled items worth Rs. 15 crores
Mumbai, 23rd February 2021
Customs Zone-III, Mumbai seized I-phones, Drones, Apple watches and Cigarettes in significant commercial quantity which were being smuggled through the postal route. Acting on the basis of specific intelligence, the Rummaging and Intelligence Division of Preventive Commissionerate, New Customs House, Ballard Estate Mumbai conducted a coordinated anti-smuggling operation at the following locations:
1) MIDC Post Office, Chakala, Andheri, Foreign Post Office
2) Videsh DakBhavan, Ballard Estate Mumbai
3)Air Parcel Sorting Office, Vile Parle , Mumbai.
The office seized 12 Consignments from Chakala MIDC Post Office, Chakala, Andheri, 26 consignments from Foreign Post Office, Videsh DakBhavan, Ballard Estate Mumbai and 05 consignments from Air Parcel Sorting Office, Vile Parle , Mumbai containing a total of 1470 I phones, 322 Apple watches, 64drones, 41Air pods, 391 Cigarette Sleeves and 36 Auto Parts with approximate local market value of Rs. 15 Crores.
These goods were attempted to be cleared through the postal mode by mis-declaring the description of the goods, value and quantity thus evading the applicable customs and IGST tax. During investigation, the names and addresses of the consignees  of the said consignments were found to be fake/dummy.
Further investigation is in progress.
Source: Customs Zone-III, Mumbai
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Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between India and the USA on cooperation in the field of Cyber Security
Cabinet approves MoU between India and the USA on cooperation in the field of Cyber Security
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding  signed between the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team  under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the US Homeland Security Department on cooperation in the field of Cyber Security. The MOU was signed on 11th January 2017 in New Delhi.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tribute to Sri Sri Harichand Thakur Ji on his Jayanti
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tribute to Sri Sri Harichand Thakur Ji on his Jayanti.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“I bow to Sri Sri Harichand Thakur Ji on his Jayanti. His role in removing inequality and furthering harmony remain unparalleled. He emphasised on social justice and worked to further education among people. We will keep working to fulfil his ideals.”
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
You need to feel the spark of liberation even during challenging times: Director Vaclav Kadrnka at IFFI52
‘Saving One Who Was Dead’ is a film of light and hope
Panaji, 26 November, 2021
Even during the most difficult and challenging times in life, we should not lose hope and feel the spark of liberation. Interacting with the media at a Press Conference held on the sidelines of 52nd IFFI today on his film Saving one who was Dead Director Vaclav Kadrnka said the film is of light and hope.
Addressing the Presser, Vaclav said that the film is based on personal experience. “My father had a stroke and he went into coma. My mother and myself tried to bring him back to normal even though the Doctor lost hope”, he said.
The Director further said that it’s not a therapeutic film. “It’s a film of positivity based on my personal experience. It’s a story on how great it feels to love your near and dear and be with him always”, he added.
Briefing about his experience, Vaclav said that first they felt the sorrow of loss and pain, but when they stood firmly, slowly all positive vibes came in. It’s a kind of liberation for his mother and himself in such a dark phase. “He heard every word we told him, he caught all our emotion. After recovering gradually, he shared everything with us. It was an extremely happy moment for us”, he said.
Speaking on public reception of the film, he said people who had similar experiences, came to him and shared their experiences and it was a great feeling.
Responding to a query on the reaction of his father he said, “My father was very pleased with the film and we had very good discussions on the film, while making.”
Saving One Who Was Dead

About the Director: Václav Kadrnka is a Czech filmmaker. After graduation at FAMU, he completed Eighty Letters  his full length feature based on his mother’s letters to his father during his emigration from the communist regime. It premiered at Berlinale. In 2017, he completed his second film Little Crusader which premiered at Karlovy Vary and won the Grand Prix Crystal Globe.
About the Film: After a stroke, Father goes into a coma. The Son and the Mother are suddenly confronted by a motionless body. The person they love is somewhere far away and nobody knows whether he will return. The doctors don’t give them hope. Now the duo concentrate all their strength and start to act. First, they address the Father’s body, but soon realize they must direct their words to something beyond.
It was also selected for Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2021 and Seville European Film Festival 2021.
Prime Minister's Office
Defence Minister of Japan calls on the Prime Minister
Mr. Itsunori Onodera, Defence Minister of Japan, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.
Prime Minister Modi recalled his long association with Japan, since before assuming office as Prime Minister, and welcomed the broadening and deepening of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan in recent years.
Prime Minister Modi said that Defence Cooperation is a key pillar of the relationship between India and Japan. He welcomed the strengthening of various defence dialogue mechanisms between the two countries, and the enhanced linkages between the armed forces of India and Japan. The Prime Minister also appreciated the progress in defence technology cooperation between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi warmly recalled the successful visit of Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, to India last year, and said that he is looking forward to visiting Japan later this year.